Helen pov
When Jason Suggested a date, what I had in mind was totally different from everything we have done today. It was getting to know each other, but why did it look like we were two lovers out on a valentine vacation? The stolen kisses, the holding of hands, the warm and gentle smiles he sends my way, they all made me want to go on a date with him everyday. He said he wanted us to have some quality time and I could feel that his words weren’t empty. I mean, a date with Gabriel would have been dinner at a fancy restaurant before he excuses himself to take a company call. That’s the kind of date I have been used to. Jason however gave a new meaning to the word today.
Walking down the streets, trying every street food that caught my eyes, answering all my curious questions about Paris. He said that he has been to the city several times but I have a feeling that it’s just not several. He seems to know so much about this city. From the different restaurants to the best nightclubs and even the famous museums.
“So, when was the last time you came here?” I asked, walking closer to him as the evening crowd increased.
“It has been a long time. ” He replied and I could feel his eyes on me, his gaze warm and full of something I couldn’t decipher.
“How long? A year, three years?” I asked again and this time, his lips curled into a smile, the kind that made his dimples deep and his eyes light up.
“Try months,” he said . ” Although most of the time I am here for official business. ” Jason replied and i cocked my brows at him.
” I thought you don’t have a stable job? ” I remind him of his words from last night and he chuckles.
” I did say I don’t have a career, doesn’t mean I don’t do anything at all. I mean, I can’t live without earning money, right? ” he said, pulling me to his side, his hand around my shoulder and I couldn’t stop smiling.
” So you are a gigolo? ” I teased him, making him laugh loudly, his laughter vibrating through his chest and into mine.
” If it means I get paid to date you, then I would gladly be one. ” he said, turning my face towards him, his lips landing on mine. The kiss was short and sweet, his lips leaving a lingering touch and making me want more.
” Are you ready for the final event of our date? ” he asked after pulling away, his hand still holding mine, my body still pressed against his and I could only nod in reply.
” It is almost night and I don’t want our first date to end until we see the city lit up. ” he said as he turned a corner, the Eiffel tower in the distance, its lights on and its beauty shining through the dark.
” I hope you brought a camera with you. ” he said and i shook my head, not understanding.
” You will need one. ” He replied and then I noticed it. The beautiful view of the tower in the background, the sun setting in the horizon and the river reflecting the orange rays.
” Oh. “I gasp in wonder.
” You should have warned me so that I could have taken a selfie. ” I said and he chuckled.
” Why should you take a selfie when I can take pictures of you. ” He replied, taking his phone out.
” Turn this way. ” He directed, pointing at the sky. I did as instructed and smiled as he took pictures of me, then he switched sides, taking pictures of the sky, the river and even the tower.
” Smile. ” he said as I turned towards him and he took a picture, kissing me on the cheek.
” This is beautiful. ” I whisper as I turn around to look at the beautiful scenery.
” You are beautiful. ” he replied, making me turn to him. His gaze was soft, his smile gentle and the words coming out of his mouth were sincere.
” Jason, thank you for the lovely day. ” I said, looking into his eyes and hoping he could see the truth behind my words.
” No Helen. Thank you. ” he said.
” You are the reason I am smiling today. I don’t know about tomorrow or the day after but today, you gave me the opportunity to live the dream I have had since I was young. ”
” The dream of a happy and normal life. ” he finished, his fingers brushing the stray strands of hair off my face.
I am compelled to think that that Jason is a complicated man, his life is not as simple as he makes it seem but I don’t probe further, just giving him a smile.
” We just have to live the moment, why worry about the future we don’t know if we will be a part of? ” I casually commented, my mind racing back to me when Gabriel proposed to me a few years ago. Back then, I already had a picture of our grand wedding, our small happy family and all. Today, there is no Gabriel and me. Just me and a stranger in w foreign land striving to find happiness even for a day.
After watching the magical sight of the city lit, we returned to the hotel. It’s already past nine by the time we make our way to the hotel. Jason escorts me to my room, his arms around my waist, his body close to mine.
” Today has been amazing. ” I whisper, looking up at him and hoping he could hear the gratitude in my voice.
” And it’s not over yet. ” He said, his hand going inside his pocket.
” Helen. ” he says, his voice low and his gaze focused on me.
” Yes. ” I reply, staring up at him and noticing the nervousness in his eyes.
” I want to give you something. ” he says, taking his hand out of his pocket and opening his fist.
” A gift. ” He says, his eyes looking deep into mine and a small smile playing at the corner of his lips.
I looked at his open palm, a pair of earrings and a ring. The earrings were a pair of gold studs, not too flashy but simple and elegant, the ring is a golden band with a tiny diamond stone in the center.
” Why are you giving me this? ” I ask, not understanding what he means. We just met a night ago and went on a single date. Besides, wasn’t the goal knowing each other to determine if he is a good candidate for my gigolo selection?
” I want you to keep them. ” He simply says, not giving an explanation.
” Why? ” I ask again.
” Do you not like it? ” he asked, looking a little disappointed and I quickly shook my head.
” No, that’s not what I meant. It’s a beautiful gift. ” I replied, taking the ring and examining the details.
” I just don’t understand why… ”
” You don’t need to understand. If you like them, keep them. ” Jason replied.
I feel so overwhelmed by the gesture. I am a woman who can afford to get expensive gifts for myself but getting something from someone whom you met a night ago feels… emotional.
Without as much as a second thought, I lean over, capturing his lips with mine. It’s the first time I am initiating a kiss, my lips pressing on his, his response instant and his fingers brushing over my hair.
He deepens the kiss, his hands wrapping around me and pulling me close. Our bodies were flush together, the passion of the moment and the heat of the moment were making my blood hot, my skin tingle and my heart pound.
” Open the door. ” I say, pulling away and taking a step back.
” Is that an invitation? ” he asked and I could see the desire burning in his eyes, his smile lazy and his eyes hooded.
” Yes, it is. ” I replied.
He takes my keycard from my hands, swiping it through the card reader and the door opens, both of us entering the room, my hands going to his waist, pulling him closer. He leans down, his lips claiming mine and his tongue exploring my mouth.